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We just asked the Hyatt to get us a car and driver. You really only want/need a guide at some of the the specific sights, like the Durbar Squares and Pasupatinath. You don't need one with you when you are driving from place to place. There are licensed guides at each of the places you might want a guide, who are very knowledgeable and very reasonably priced.

Thanks, Kathie. We usually do not use a daily guide, but if someone had someone special, it would be good. We will use the Hyatt service and the local licensed guide as you recommended. I am the biggest shopper so I have printed out your shopping recommendations from previous forums.

I see that you are going to be in KTM on your way to/from Bhutan. I had a similar type of visit but on my way to/from Tibet a couple of years ago.

I worked with a local travel agent in Thamel who was excellent. (One of the best agents I have ever worked with.) Everything was handled seamlessly. The guides had very good English skills and were very flexible with me. Drivers were warm & kind. I was traveling solo and he checked in with me daily to make sure all was well. Here is his info just in case you’d like to try him – or to compare prices:

(He even procured the ‘group travel permit’ for me to enter Tibet - for a party of one. And hooked me up with an excellent Tibetan guide/driver for that portion of my trip.)

I read your other posting regarding Nagarkot. I took a day trip out to the Himalaya Club in Nagarkot for lunch and loved it. You might consider this. I think I loved the journey the most. It was October and the drive takes you from the city to the outskirts where people were harvesting the fields - then the winding mountain roads bringing you higher & higher until you reach the pine forest. (Roll down the windows & enjoy the fresh pine fragrance!) Lots of little tea houses on the sides of the road. Once there it was hazy but you could see the white tops of the mountains in the distance. I would recommend this more for a break from KTM. I think the kids would love it, too.

As for seeing the white-capped mountains – unfortunately - I got the best view from the windows of airplanes. I did take the Air Buddha flight-seeing trip to Everest. (3rd attempt was the charm) But the best view of Everest and more came on my flight from Lhasa-KTM – no clouds & just stunning.

You may have a chance to see the Himalayas on your flights to/from Bhutan. Weather cooperating that is. They are gorgeous and I completely understand your desire to see them as much as possible on your trip. Good luck with all. Hope some of this is helpful.

Thank you, m-bran. I am getting even more excited. Will contact Pigeon Travel. Will do day trip from Kath one of our days. Your suggestions very helpful. LOVED your photos. Great air shots.
My problem now is figuring out a very tentative plan of what to see when..how to sequence the touring. Pigeon may be helpful of this.

Thanks for allowing me to reminisce - and for taking a look at my photos. They are always my favorite souvenirs.

Elainee - I know Min Kc will take good care of you. He is very detail oriented so feel free to be very specific about your preferences.

rhkkmk - I was recently reading your VN report and enjoyed your photos. So helpful to get the feel for different locations. Thank you so much for sharing all.

JaneB - If you are reading the Ascent of Rum Doodle, it would be worth at least a stop to take a peek when visiting Thamel. (Don't know what your time frame is.) As you guessed, RD is for tourists/trekkers and you probably won't find too many local families dining there. But I enjoyed it just the same.

To all: enjoy your time in Nepal (& beyond)! Hope you'll share your experiences on this forum upon your return.